Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Mr. Smooth™ Seedless Thornless Silverthorn (Elaeagnus pungens) showcases striking, silvery-green leaves that remain evergreen year-round. It grows about 5 to 8 feet tall, lending a polished look to hedges or foundation plantings. The smooth stems lack thorns, and its seedless nature prevents unwanted spread. This new selection provides quick coverage, reliable color, and easy handling.
Its subtle fall blooms emit a sweet fragrance, and the dense branching adds privacy in screening or windbreaks. This Asian-native shrub exhibits high tolerance to heat and moderate drought once established. Deer typically avoid it, and it stays largely free of significant pests or diseases. Use Mr. Smooth™ for mass plantings, border accents, erosion control, or container displays in sunny courtyards.
Mr. Smooth™ Seedless Thornless Silverthorn Care
Plant in well-draining soil that ranges from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline. Offer full to partial sun exposure, and water regularly during the first growing season. Reduce watering once the roots settle, but provide supplemental moisture during prolonged dry spells. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to support new growth.
Deadheading isn’t necessary, but trim away any damaged or crossing stems to maintain a neat shape. Light pinching or thinning can encourage branching, and shearing is possible if you desire a more formal hedge. Rejuvenating older plants by cutting back heavily in late winter can spark fresh growth. In colder climates, insulate container-grown specimens or move them to a protected spot.
Mr. Smooth™ Seedless Thornless Silverthorn Spacing
Allow 4 to 6 feet between shrubs if you plan a row or hedge, ensuring enough room for each to fill out. A single specimen in a mixed border should have at least 5 feet of open space on all sides. When planting in a container, use one at least 16 inches in diameter, and upgrade as the shrub matures.
Mr. Smooth™ Seedless Thornless Silverthorn Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-5 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-4 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Low
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White, Yellow
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Fall
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Silvery-blue, aromatic leaves with a rounded shape, arranged in clusters
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen, Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Mr. Smooth Seedless Thornless Silverthorn
- Also Known As
- Thornless silverthorn
- Botanical Name
- Elaeagnus × 'NCEX1'
- Brand
- Proven Winners
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!